What does it take to be a good manager for a musician?

What does it take to be a good manager for a musician?2019-05-152019-05-15http://nightisalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/night-is-alive.pngNight is Alivehttp://nightisalive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/kath-portrait_small.jpg200px200px

To be a good music manager you need to be organized, excellent with people and have a good understanding of the industry as it stands today. Clear communication between you, your client, venue, or record label is critical for success.

Your tasks as a manager also depend on what point your client is at in their career. If an artist is already signed to a record label, you’ll need to keep in mind what they want to achieve for the musician. If you’re managing unsigned artists, your priority will be to generate as much work as possible to get them noticed and paid. Notice we said “paid”; the artists already can work for free or lose money on gigs without you.

Each different type of music has its own scene, fan base and unique way of working. You need to have an excellent understanding of this, so you are giving the artist the highest probability of success. Put them in the right environment to thrive.

Get to know the structure of the companies with whom you are dealing with. Be clear about how business is conducted, who is the decision maker and what each person is responsible for. Then reach out and grab their attention and command their respect. Having an influential network helps, so always be professional but friendly and approachable to maintain and create new contacts. Kathy Salem from Night is Alive says, “It isn’t what you know, but who you know that matters, and what they think of you.”

You will also need to be able to cope well under pressure. Dealing with a range of different characters and organizations, all with their own pressures, can be challenging. When someone loses their cool you must make sure you don’t – it’s your job to keep calm, see the strategic picture and put out the fires that other people start.

The music business is a great industry to work in, but to be a manager requires drive and determination which is driven by a passion for music. It’s fiercely competitive, but once you’ve made it, it can be one of the most fulfilling and often financially rewarding careers.

Restcble management is what defines Night is Alive. Learn how our team can assist in selling-out your music venue by contacting us today!